Berlin's central location makes it a crossroads for many international and national routes
![[:en]Street view in Berlin. A tram and people crossing the street.[:]](https://www.landroutes.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berliini31-scaled.webp "Berlin 2")
![[:en]Historical photographs attached to the wall along the street. Visitors are watching.[:]](https://www.landroutes.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berliini291-scaled.webp "Berlin 3")
![[:en]The interior of the beautiful Berlin church.[:]](https://www.landroutes.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berliini211-scaled.webp "Berlin 4")
Pictures of Berlin: Photo exhibition on the history of the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg gate
Berlin has a very comprehensive and versatile local transportation system that makes getting around the city easy and convenient. Here are some key modes of transportation:
Subway (U-Bahn and S-Bahn): Berlin’s subway network consists of the U-Bahn, which primarily runs underground, and the S-Bahn, which operates above ground. Both networks cover a wide area of the city and are highly punctual.
Trams: Trams primarily operate in eastern Berlin and are convenient for short trips. They also provide a pleasant way to see the city, as they run at street level.
Buses: Buses complement the subway and tram networks, especially in areas lacking subway or tram connections. Bus lines 100 and 200 are particularly popular among tourists as they pass by many key attractions.
DB apps can be found on the Germany page
The public transportation authority in Berlin is called Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). Here is a link. It is responsible for the city’s bus, tram, metro, and ferry services, as well as some train connections.
Berlin’s public transportation network is extensive and comprehensive. It consists of the underground (U-Bahn), above-ground tram network (Straßenbahn), bus lines (Bus), and ferry connections (Fähre). Additionally, the city has the S-Bahn system, which is a network of urban trains, but it is managed by the Deutsche Bahn railway company.
The use of tickets in public transport in Berlin is based on zones. The city is divided into three zones (A, B, and C), and the price of tickets depends on the zones you travel through. Traveling within one zone requires an AB ticket, while traveling in two zones requires an AB ticket plus a BC supplementary ticket, whereas an ABC ticket covers all three zones.
Tickets can be purchased from machines at metro and tram stops, from buses, and at BVG sales points. You can also buy tickets via a mobile app, and many ticket machines accept credit cards as well. It is important to validate your ticket at the ticket machine or on the vehicle at the start of your journey, and it must be kept valid for the entire trip.
Your ticket may also include a transfer option between different modes of transport, and typically the same ticket is valid for all BVG-operated transport, such as subways, trams, buses, and ferries.
Although the S-Bahn train system is operated by Deutsche Bahn, BVG tickets are generally valid on S-Bahn trains as well. This means that a separate ticket is usually not required on S-Bahn trains if you already have a valid BVG ticket.
It’s always a good idea to check the current information on BVG’s website or at tourist information for more precise details about Berlin’s public transport system, zones, and ticket prices.
The divided Europe was long visible in Berlin
About 3.6 million people live in Berlin. This makes it the largest city in Germany and one of the largest cities in the European Union.
Divided city
Berlin was two separate cities after World War II, East Berlin and West Berlin, until the reunification of Germany occurred in 1990.
Berlin Wall
In 1961, East Germany built a wall to separate East Berlin from West Berlin and to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the west. The wall physically and symbolically divided the city for nearly 30 years.
Climate
The climate of the Berlin area is a transition between maritime and continental climates. Winters are usually predominantly dark, rainy, and snow-free.
Berlin's Zones
At the end of World War II, Berlin was divided among the four Allied victorious powers: the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France.
Reunion
In 1990, East Germany united with West Germany, and the reunification of Germany was achieved. Berlin became the capital of the newly united Germany.
Near Poland
Berlin is located in eastern Germany about 70 kilometers from the Polish border. The city is completely surrounded by the state of Brandenburg.